South Africa, world's rape capital: Interpol

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Interpol says South Africa is the world's rape capital and less than 1% of rape cases are reported to police. According to a reliable website that compiles rape statistics this has had a detrimental effect on successfully pursuing rape cases in the country.

Police presented new targets set for clamping down on crime against women and children in parliament today. In fact, a woman born in South Africa is more likely to be raped than educated. It's estimated a woman is raped every 17 seconds.

In the last financial year, just over a third of the crimes against women were prosecuted in court and only 22% of crimes against children made it onto the court roll.

A recent police study estimates that only one in 36 rape cases are reported. SAPS Lieutenant General Godfrey Lebeya says if you are a victim, and you have not reported the incident, it means that there is a potential that somebody else will fall victim through the same perpetrator.

Police have encouraged rape victims to report the crime

Tardy police work in rape cases is another salient problem. ANC MP, Annelize van Wyk says she went to a station in Paarl where visiting the SAPS 13 store and found three rape kits for children that has been lying there not being sent to the forensic sciences laboratory for evaluation for months.

Compounding this is the appointment of 800 forensic experts put on hold. Forensic Services' Khomotso Phalane says if they were to do all the things expected of them "we need those people". Police have encouraged rape victims to report the crime. This will help them compile accurate statistics and set targets in fighting the scourge.